Hi, my queens first workers are around now and I don't have any insects at the moment, would meats such as beef, chicken, pork etc work in small servings for protein? And for sugar, honey or chocolate?

I tried putting some beef and honey out in the out world area but the ants won't leave the test tube to forage, any ideas why? I may just get rid of the out world for now and try putting the food directly into the tube, if they don't eat I'm worried they'll all die.

Though I am starting out, I know from a AntsCanada tutorial (or normal video) that queens + workers don't need food till the 10th or 15th worker, so i suggest that you count the ants and if you have 10-15 ants, put food in there test tube or out world if you see them foraging in the out world.

The ants aren't going to "forget " to eat. they know how to forage, they know how to find food, and they know how to eat it. If they aren't eating, they don't need it. If they don't need it, then don't put it in their tube where it will stress them out and rot. In the wild they have to leave the claustral cell and forage for food, so giving them the same opportunity in captivity is ideal.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.

I have the same issue. Just moved my small colony from a gel farm (where they actually forged for food) to an AC starter kit test tube setup. They no longer leave the tube. Not sure if it’s a good thing.

Overall, I'd say trust your ants. They know what they need more than we do. If they don't go out, that means they don't need to. Offer them food and change it regularly to make sure it doesn't spoil. If they want it, they will take it. If they don't take it, that means they just don't want it. Try different type of food and make sure you have something sweet and something protein available to them. They'll do what's best for them!

Though I am starting out, I know from a AntsCanada tutorial (or normal video) that queens + workers don't need food till the 10th or 15th worker, so i suggest that you count the ants and if you have 10-15 ants, put food in there test tube or out world if you see them foraging in the out world.

Mikey is awesome, but I am strongly against making ants go without food. Feed them often and well. Fat ants are happy ants!